Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

ONE-HUNDRED-AND-TWENTY

'We never fully leave the past behind us. Not really.'

-An extract from the book 'Evolutions' written by philosopher Adette Briggs.

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ONE-HUNDRED-AND-TWENTY

Somewhere in North-Eastern Titan Country

Warren met his eyes; his dark stare was chilling. "How very astute you are, Captain Levi."

Levi felt as if he had just stumbled into Lorelai's past.

There was no way-

Was he seeing a ghost?

"You're dead," Levi protested, his dull nerves suddenly alight. If this really was Warren-

Warren's eyebrow quirked upwards. "Well, I guess I have a talent for defying expectations." He dug through his med-pack, beginning to tend to Lorelai's wounds while Levi sat dumbstruck.

"You're lying; no one survived that explosion. Who are you?"

That smug face again. "Are all you Walls Scouts so opposed to the improbable? Well, I suppose that's why you've made so little progress."

Levi's mind was buzzing.

If this really was Warren, what did that mean? Were there other survivors of the attack? How had they survived outside the Walls for so long?

And... moreover, why appear now?

"You really are Warren?"

"I'm not a good man. But, I'm not a liar."

So it was true, then.

This was Warren Krüger, the man he had heard so much about.

This was the man who had started the Underground Siege, who had begun all that bloodshed and heartache. This man had sent soldiers to kill the innocent, butcher the poor in the streets of Levi's hometown.

But, this man had also loved Lorelai. He'd been there for her when no one else could. He'd stepped into the mess of Havasian politics in her stead. He'd wanted to spend his life with her— before war tore them apart.

From Lorelai's stories, Levi had imagined him as a quick-witted and dashing politician whose silver tongue could sway all to his side. Levi had imagined him, hair slick back in cornrows, crooked grin on his lips, and with a presence that took up the whole room.

He wasn't exactly how she had described. Or, at least, he wasn't anymore. There was something tired, even tragic, about him.

Levi didn't really care. He had questions.

What were his intentions? Why was he here? Why now?

"It's rude to stare."

"Well, forgive me if my manners are a little lacking when I'm speaking to my enemy."

"Enemy?" he scoffed. "I'm saving her life. Unless you'd rather I leave her to die?"

The threat stung, but Levi brushed it off. It was clear Warren was just as concerned for Lorelai's safety. "You started the Underground Siege. You're half the reason for all the problems in the Walls."

"So, you know me."

"Regrettably so. Lorelai told me about you."

"Good things?"